Read time 7 minutes
This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. Thank you, dear Universe, you continue to bless me with recovery and health.
So, next time when you reach for those vitamin and mineral-rich foods, remember it’s not just a tasty treat– it’s our body fuel.
The purpose of this blog post is to share the role of key vitamins and minerals that supported my rare and chronic disease.
I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome. Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that gets transmitted through ticks. I was also accompanied by Glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease.
Post-diagnosis, I made several discoveries about the functionality of my mind and body. Amid, how deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals can add to health complications.
Exploring the connection between Vitamins, Minerals, and Neurological Health
Several minerals and vitamins promote the nervous system’s function. However, any vitamin or mineral deficiency will have a physiological impact. It affects the neuro metabolism which leads to diseases.
Key micronutrients, amino acids, and fatty acids play their importance in brain functions.
- Vitamin A: has its role in immune function, cell growth, and vision.
- Vitamin B12: is known for nerve functions and deficiency-related symptoms.
- Vitamin C: has a role to play in protecting the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Vitamin D: has deep routed connections with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions.
- Vitamin E: has antioxidant properties. It impacts neurological health.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: have proven their benefits for brain health and reducing inflammation.
My experience with a Rare Neurological Disorder
To begin with, I am trying to sleep, and suddenly there goes tic, tic. It went unrested as the frequency was at least once every 30 seconds and it went on for hours together. Throughout my body, the muscles rippled like something was moving under my skin. It involved different muscles and slowly, became more noticeable. It tensed my muscles, specifically the calf or bicep area made me miserable. The movements were involuntary.
Imagine waking up every day to an intense muscle cramp. It leaves you feeling helpless and in constant pain. For long the excruciating pain in the legs left me wondering!
I slowly developed progressive functional problems. Even walking became difficult. I had immense weakness and pain while sitting, climbing stairs, stiffness, and walking.
Isaacs syndrome is a rare disorder that causes cramps, body stiffness, and twitching. It is an autoimmune disease with a list of other symptoms like fatigue, and weakness. Isaacs is also associated with cancer.
I was hospitalized for medical evaluation resulting in the identification of muscle disorder.
I tried many approaches and met doctors but very little worked to keep me in harmony. After much effort, my Neurologist came up with an effective idea!!
He asked me to incorporate vitamins and associated supplements into my daily routine.
The Act of balancing key Vitamins and Minerals that supported me with my health journey:
It took almost three weeks for me to respond to a significant change.
I incorporated a regime that included the intake of a list of vitamins and minerals. The list of supplements boosted my energy levels. They bridged the nutritional gaps, and I felt a change in the cycle of constant fatigue and weakness. Gradually, my gut health also improved, and my appetite improved.
Imbibing proper regime supported me in eliminating risks associated with:
- Functioning of the body.
- Recovery of the Immune System.
- Balancing the deficiency from food.
- Stop degeneration of bones and muscle health.
- Protecting me from mental stress.
My body and mind needed essential supplements to recover and fight back ailments. Having said that, it is important to discuss them with your doctor.
In my experience making essential modifications improved my Neurological Disorder
Every individual is unique and so is our health. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to health. Many factors like lifestyle, genetics, and personal situations together play a significant role in an individual’s well-being.
For me, listening to my body, professional help, and making informed choices were helpful with my disorders. Correcting deficiencies in these vitamins and minerals improved my state of neurological disorder:
1. Vitamin B (especially B1, B6, and B12)
- My symptoms like fatigue, and weakness were associated with B deficiency. Also, constant mood swings, loss of weight, appetite, and neuropathy.
- A standard blood test was conducted to check for Vit B. Low levels showed a deficiency.
- My deficiency had correlations with limited dietary intake and the use of antacid drugs.
- The deficiency led to problems with cognitive and peripheral nerves in the legs. I had difficulties walking accompanied by a lot of body weakness.
- I was prescribed certain supplements for correcting the deficiency of Vit B.
2. Magnesium:
It is important for muscle relaxation and nerve transmission. It was directly related to many of my symptoms.
- My symptoms associated with Magnesium deficiency were tremors and muscle twitches. Also, muscle cramps, high anxiety levels, muscle pain, spasms, weakness, and fatigue.
- A standard blood test was conducted to check for Magnesium. Low levels showed a deficiency.
- My deficiency had correlations with limited dietary intake and existing medical conditions. Also, episodes of diarrhea, and diabetes added to the deficiency.
- The deficiency supported symptoms of Isaacs’ Syndrome and Membranous Glomerulonephritis.
- I was prescribed supplements to correct the deficiency.
3. Vitamin D
- My symptoms associated with Vit D were low immunity and prone to frequent infections. Also, tiredness, hair loss, body pain, fatigue, muscle weakness, and cramps.
- A standard blood test was conducted to check for Vit D. Low levels showed a deficiency.
- My deficiency had correlations with limited dietary intake. Also, existing medical conditions and not enough sun exposure.
- The deficiency supported disease progression and added to inflammation. It further added complications to my neurodegenerative rare disease, Isaacs’ Syndrome.
- I was prescribed supplements to correct Vit D deficiency. I was recommended to spend a few minutes each day in the sunlight.
4. Vitamin E
- My symptoms associated with Vit E deficiency were difficulties in walking. Also, muscle pain, weakness, and numbness.
- A standard blood test was conducted to check for Vit E. Low levels showed a deficiency.
- My deficiency had correlations with limited dietary intake and existing medical conditions.
- The deficiency supported disease progression, immune problems, and muscle weakness. It further added complications with my neurodegenerative disease, Isaacs’ Syndrome.
- I was prescribed supplements to correct the deficiency. Also, dietary changes included some fat. Precisely adding sunflower seeds and nuts helped me correct this deficiency.
5. Folate
Folate is also known as vitamin B9. It is an important element for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It plays a significant role in the creation of DNA and RNA. It is also involved in the production of red blood cells.
- My symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, and weakness were associated with Folate deficiency.
- A standard blood test was conducted to check for Folate. Low levels showed a deficiency.
- My deficiency had correlations with limited dietary intake and existing medical conditions.
- I was prescribed supplements to correct the deficiency. I found Brazilian nuts extremely helpful in correcting this deficiency.
6. Calcium:
It plays its role in muscle function, nerve signal transmission, and neurotransmitter release.
- My symptoms associated with Calcium deficiency were muscle weakness and cramps. Also, tremors, fatigue,
- A standard blood test was conducted to check for Calcium. Low levels showed a deficiency.
- My deficiency had correlations with the existing medical conditions.
- The deficiency supported fatigue, muscle weakness, and cramps.
- I was prescribed supplements to correct the deficiency. Also, I took the support of calcium-rich food like nuts, seeds, and spinach.
7. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are quite important for neuro health. These acids help in cognitive functions, brain development, and neuroprotection. They support putting a stop to neurodegenerative diseases.
- My symptoms associated with Omega-3 deficiency were mood swings and eye discomfort. Also, pain and stiffness in joints.
- A standard blood test was conducted to check for Omega-3 fatty acids. It is also known as the EFA and DHA blood test.
- My deficiency had correlations with the existing medical conditions and restricted diet.
- I was prescribed supplements to correct the deficiency. I found walnuts, and chia seeds helpful in correcting this deficiency.
8. Vitamin C
It played a crucial role by acting as a powerful antioxidant and defense mechanism. It is a great support to neurological health.
- My symptoms associated with Vit C deficiency were nerve-related problems. I often got ill with a fever and other related infections. Also, had blurred vision and dry eyes.
- A standard blood test was conducted to check for Vit C. Low levels showed a deficiency.
- My deficiency had correlations with loss of appetite and existing medical conditions.
- I was prescribed calcium-rich food like nuts, seeds, and spinach.
To Conclude
The role of vitamins and minerals for humans is undeniable. They play an essential part in a variety of basic metabolic pathways.
Precisely, their involvement in many brain functions, energy-yielding metabolism, and oxygen transport is critical. Also, DNA synthesis and neuronal functions make them stronger in our healthy beings.
A balanced dietary approach to maintaining micronutrients can support neurological health. It may also help in treating and keeping many neurological disorders at bay.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed above in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.
